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Saturday, August 2, 2008

Ask for directions

(This is another one from In Touch)

Even as a Christian it's easy to think we know the way we're supposed to go. However, if we aren't in tune to what God wants for our lives we could be going in the wrong direction. How much more dangerous is this for someone who does not have a personal, life changing relationship with God?

Titus 3:5: "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us..."

We are saved by God's grace and mercy, not by anything we've done or will do. All the material possessions we have are nothing in comparison to eternal life. Where are we laying up our treasures? What do we hold dear? Are they truly that important in light of what God desires from us?

Surely you've heard the old stereotype about men never wanting to stop and ask for directions. That's probably more true than we'd like to admit, but it isn't just males who are guilty. The world is full of both men and women, all driving full steam ahead, never wanting to stop or even slow down to ask for guidance.

If you were to look at this through spiritual lenses, you'd see a world of lost, hopeless souls trying to save themselves. They think they can somehow earn their way to heaven through good deeds and hard work. They assume it's possible to accomplish this on their own. They're wrong.

As you read through Luke 12:16-21 today, stop to count the number of times the "rich fool," as he is known, says the words "I," "my," and "myself." It's a sad picture of the self-directed man, trying to make his own way and secure his own future with no help from anyone--including God.

The Lord does not mince words with this man. Entering the scene in verse 20, God immediately calls him a fool! Don't miss the severity in the condemnation. By relying solely on his own short-sighted selfishness and pride, this man left nothing behind at the end of his life--except a pile of grain.

The message for us today is that, when we strike off on our own and initiate actions with no thought of God, we are behaving like fools. The Lord has a plan for your life. He knows where you'll succeed and where you'll fail. Trust Him to provide the direction you need.